That said, there’s a lot more to choosing which fixtures to include in your home than simply picking a product off of a shelf. There is a whole host of base materials and finishes to choose from. Each of these comes with its own unique price point, life span, level of upkeep and style.

Here’s the catch: just because it isn’t a seemingly vital piece of your kitchen doesn’t mean it’s an easy swap. In fact, undoing the customization and permanence of a kitchen backsplash can feel overwhelming and daunting. Add a few mental images of chipping away at stubborn backsplash tiles and you may have one the messiest kitchens you can imagine.

True all-brass fixtures are rare because they tend to be expensive, but for those willing to make the investment, it is a material that stands the test of time. They have a smooth and dense makeup that leaves them far less likely to leak or corrode than other materials. However, you may want to do some research before committing to a model. In the past, lead was used in the production of brass faucets and unfortunately leaked into the water supply over time. Though legislation has been passed to regulate the amount used, it is possible for lead to be present in these fixtures.